Legal Requirements & Documentation
Residency in Spain 2026: how to become a legal resident – step by step
EU citizen or non-EU? The residency routes, documents, costs and steps to live legally in Spain – updated for 2026.
Residency in Spain – the complete guide
Staying more than 90 days? Then you need to register as a resident. The route depends on one thing: are you an EU citizen or not? Here is how it works under the new immigration regulation in force since 20 May 2025 – or let us handle it for you.
Last checked: October 2026
EU / EEA / Swiss citizens
No visa needed. Within 3 months of arrival you register at the police (Extranjería) and receive the green Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE with your NIE.
Non-EU citizens
You need a residence visa or permit – for example non-lucrative, work, digital nomad, student or family member. Once approved you receive a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Want us to do the paperwork?
We prepare the documents, book the appointment and guide you all the way.
What you need to show (EU citizens)
Bring originals and copies. Requirements can vary slightly between provinces.
Passport or ID
Valid national ID card or passport.
Padrón
Registration at your town hall (empadronamiento) as proof of address.
Work or income
Employment contract, self-employed (autónomo) registration, or proof of sufficient funds.
Health cover
Spanish social security, an S1 form, or private health insurance without co-payments.
Forms
Form EX-18 and fee Modelo 790 código 012, paid at a bank.
Appointment
Cita previa: “Policía – Certificados UE” in your province.
Step by step – EU citizens
Get your padrón
Register your address at the town hall (ayuntamiento).
Book the cita
Book online for “Certificados UE” at the police in your province.
Pay & attend
Pay the 790-012 fee, bring all documents and attend the appointment.
Get the certificate
The green residence certificate is usually issued the same day.
Non-EU: the main routes
Non-lucrative
For retirees and people living on their own income. No work in Spain. Proof of funds of 400% of IPREM per year plus 100% per dependent.
Digital nomad
Remote work for companies outside Spain. See our Digital Nomad Visa guide.
Work permit
Employed or self-employed work in Spain, usually requested by the employer.
Family member
Partners and family of EU citizens or legal residents.
What changed with the 2025 regulation
The new immigration regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) has applied since 20 May 2025. Most first residence permits are issued for 1 year; several types can then be renewed for longer periods (non-lucrative renewals are 2 + 2 years). After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence. The “golden visa” through property investment was abolished in April 2025.
Good to know
Keep your padrón up to date when you move – you need it for healthcare, schools and many other procedures. Tax residence (183 days or more in Spain) is a separate question from legal residence.
Watch out
Amounts and requirements change – the IPREM is set every year in the state budget. Always check the current rules with Extranjería or a specialist before you apply.
Let us handle your residency
From the first form to your certificate or TIE card.
Fill in the form
Send us your details with the secure form below.
We contact you
Within 24 hours we confirm the price and what we need.
We prepare everything
Documents, fees and appointment – all ready for you.
You become a resident
Attend the appointment and receive your certificate or TIE.
Apply for our residency service
Your information is handled confidentially and only used for your application.
Need your NIE first?
Read our step-by-step NIE guide for 2026.
Residency in Spain – FAQ
How long do I have to register as an EU citizen?
If you stay in Spain for more than 3 months, you must apply for the EU registration certificate within 3 months of arriving.
What is the difference between the NIE and the green certificate?
The NIE is your personal foreigner number. The green EU registration certificate proves that you live in Spain legally – and it shows your NIE.
How much money do I need for a non-lucrative visa?
400% of the IPREM per year for the main applicant plus 100% for each family member. The IPREM is set every year, so check the current figure before you apply.
When can I get permanent residence?
After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for long-term residence (or permanent residence as an EU citizen).
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and not legal advice. Immigration rules and amounts change – always check with Extranjería or a qualified advisor before you apply.
